She Said No

In the 90s, a young female production assistant watches a scene about the Revolutionary War being filmed on a beach set. The scene evokes her happiness and enthusiasm for her work, but it is abruptly cut short as she runs down a city street crying uncontrollably. This moment marks a stark contrast between her initial excitement and later trauma.

In 2016, Megan Twohey, a New York Times journalist, speaks with Rachel, a woman hesitant about coming forward against Donald Trump. Megan reassures her that while the paper can't cover legal costs, she can go on record, empowering the woman to share her story. The conversation underscores the beginning of the #MeToo era's coverage.

A day after Megan and Rachel's conversation, a news story reveals multiple women speaking out against Trump. Megan's source, Rachel, is heavily guarded and under police surveillance outside her house, reflecting the growing public and personal chaos stemming from the allegations. Megan faces threats, indicating the dangerous climate for whistleblowers.

Following Trump's election victory, Megan receives a threatening call from a man promising to kill her, while news outlets dismiss ongoing accusations as trivial. Jodi Kantor and other journalists continue to investigate cases of workplace harassment, highlighting the intensifying media scrutiny and societal debate over sexual misconduct in power structures.

Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey shift their focus to Hollywood's influential producer Harvey Weinstein, uncovering widespread allegations of abuse. They seek to interview Rose McGowan and other actresses, but initial efforts are met with resistance. This marks the beginning of their extensive investigation into Weinstein’s predatory behavior.

Rose McGowan recounts her traumatic experience with Weinstein, describing how he forced himself on her in a situation she didn’t report due to fear and betrayal. She details his manipulative attempts to silence her and reveals that she considered reporting but felt powerless, emphasizing the pervasive silence around abuse.

Jodi and Megan interview actresses like Ashley Judd, who relays her harassment encounter with Weinstein, exposing the pattern of coercion for roles and career advancement. Other witnesses in the industry describe Weinstein’s behavior and the obstacles faced by victims in speaking out due to NDAs and systemic silence.

Jodi and Megan pursue internal memos, legal documents, and testimonies from former employees, uncovering a documented pattern of abuse. They encounter difficulties with NDAs and legal barriers, but manage to collect significant evidence revealing the extent of Weinstein’s misconduct and the corporate culture enabling it.

Despite the mounting evidence, many women are still reluctant to come forward publicly due to legal and personal fears. Jodi and Megan intensify their efforts, encouraging survivors to speak, and strategize on how to support their testimonies while facing the threat of retaliation and suppression.

Ashley Judd agrees to be named in the article, marking a turning point. Jodi and Megan publish their detailed exposé on Harvey Weinstein, revealing numerous settlements and documented abuse. The article triggers a global reckoning with sexual harassment, significantly fueling the #MeToo movement.

Following the publication, Weinstein confronts journalists and attempts to discredit the story through media and legal channels. He claims ignorance and love of the truth, while the fallout accelerates with other women stepping forward, leading to Weinstein’s career downfall and broader societal shifts.

The expose spurs worldwide awareness and additional allegations. The #MeToo movement gains momentum as institutions and industries revisit policies on workplace harassment. The revelations court systemic change, and victims find renewed courage to share their stories publicly.